BOOK OF 2 JOHN

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. The small epistles in the N.T. make excellent sermons. We are
      referring to 2 John, 3 John and Philemon.
      1. They have their own introduction and conclusion.
      2. Since they are short, each of them lend well in the time
         allotted for a sermon.

I. Verse 2
   A. "The elder" - John the apostle was older when he wrote 2 and 3
      John.
      1. The name "John" is not mentioned in either of these         
         epistles, but neither is his name mentioned in the gospel of
         John or 1 John.
         a. It is mentioned several times in the Book of Revelation.
      2. The books of 2 and 3 John are thought to have been written
         at the close of the first century.
   B. "To the elect lady" - This is some well-known sister. Her name 
      is not given.
   C. "Whom I love in truth" - There are two possibilities here:
      1. Whom I truly love.
      2. Whom I love with reference to the truth.
   D. "But also those who have known the truth" - This sister was    
      both widely and favorably known. She had a sister who was also 
      a Christian. 2 John 13

II. Verse 2
   A. The truth abides in our hearts. 2 Cor. 4:16
      1. The truth abides in hearts as we believe, love, live, and
         defend it.
   B. It will be with us forever. 1 Pet. 1:23-25

III. Verse 3
   A. "Grace" - God's favor; "Mercy" - God's compassion; "Peace" -
      God's tranquility.
      1. There are no greater blessings afforded to man.
   B. "The Son of the Father, in truth and love." - There are two
      possibilities here:
      1. Grace, mercy and peace comes from the Father and the Son
         by means of the truth and from their love.
      2. Perhaps it refers to the "Son of the Father" in truth and   
         love; e.g., He is the "Son of His love."

IV. Verse 4-6
   A. This verse is similar to 2 John 3-4.
      1. It is wonderful to hear about others who continue to walk in
         truth.
   B. "That we love one another."
      1. John spoke of love often and is called the "apostle of      
         love."
      2. "Love" is the badge of discipleship.
      3. To overcome division, brethren must hold fast the truth with
         genuine love in their hearts for each other.
   C. "This is love, that we walk according to His commandments." -
      Love toward God involves not some great, warm feeling, but
      keeping God's commandments. John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-5; 5:3
   D. "You should walk in it." John is exhorting us toward love and
      obedience.

V. Verses 7-11
   A. "For many deceivers have gone out into the world" - This is    
      true even more so today. 2 Tim. 3:13
   B. "Who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh."
      1. These were the Gnostics who taught that all flesh was evil
         and, therefore, Christ (or Deity) could not have dwelt in a
         fleshly body.
         a. They denied that Jesus Christ had come in the flesh. 1
            John 2:22-23; 4:3
      2. There are brethren today who deny that Jesus was God while
         here on earth. They claim that Jesus gave up His Deity when
         He came to earth.
      3. See the chart below which shows that Jesus was both God
         and man.
   C. "Look to yourselves" - Jesus often said, "Take heed to
      yourselves."
   D. "That we may receive a full reward." Our reward can be taken
      away through:
      1. Deceivers - Col. 2:8,18
      2. Our own sins - Isa. 59:2
      3. Losing interest in spiritual things. Luke 8:14
   E. "Transgresses" - Literally, "to go beyond."
   F. "Doctrine of Christ"
      1. Some say that verse 9 can only be applied to the doctrine
         about Christ; e.g., the Gnostics who denied that Jesus      
         Christ came in the flesh.
      2. However, the verse begins with "whoever." It refers to
         anyone who goes beyond the doctrine of Christ.
         a. The "doctrine of Christ" refers to: (1) The teaching
            about Christ (2) All that Christ taught.
   G. "Does not have God." Those who do not abide in the doctrine of
      Christ forfeit fellowship with God.
      1. Out of love and respect for God, let us abide in only that
         which is written.
   H. We are not to greet, nor extend the hospitality of our homes to
      those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ.
      1. It is much easier to overlook and tolerate than to correct  
         and rebuke those in error.
      2. Nevertheless, we are to reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all
         longsuffering and teaching. 2 Tim. 4:2; Eph. 5:11

VI. Verses 12-13
   A. To make a phone call or send a letter is good, but a personal  
      visit is better.
   B. "The children of your elect sister greet you." - Again, we do  
      not know who these are.

Concl.
   A. Some of the lessons to be learned from this epistle are:
      1. We should always be concerned about the faithful walking in
         truth. Let us lend instruction and encouragement whenever
         we can.
      2. False doctrine will condemn. Let us abide in the doctrine of
         Christ, and let us have no fellowship with those who do not
         do so.

Chart: THE DEITY OF JESUS

1.  The Son of God - Matt. 16:16; 26:63-64
2.  The only begotten of the Father - John 1:14
3.  Is the Messiah (Greek: Christos) - Isa. 7:14;
    9:6; John 1:41
4.  Christ is the true God - John 1:1; Col 1:15-19;
    2:9; Titus 2:13; 1 John 5:20
5.  Christ is the eternally blessed God. Rom. 9:5
6.  Christ is true man (proved by his dying) -
    Matt. 27:50; John 19:30; Acts 2:22-24
7.  Called the First and Last - Isa. 41:4; 44:6;
    Rev. 1:17; 2:8
8.  Called the Alpha and Omega - Rev. 1:8; 21:6;
    Rev. 22:13-16
9.  Is King of Kings - Rev. 1:5; 17:14; 1 Tim. 1:17
10. Is the Power and Wisdom of God - 1 Cor.
    1:24
11. Is the Glory of God - 1 Cor. 2:8; Heb. 1:3;
    James 2:1
12. Is Eternal - Micah 5:2; John 1:1; Col 1:17;
    Heb 1:10-12
13. Is Omniscient - Luke 6:8; John 6:64
14. Is Unchangeable - Mal. 3:6; Heb. 1:12; 13:8
15. Is Lord of all - Acts 10:36; Rom. 10:12
16. Wise men worshiped Him - Matt. 2:2,11
17. He accepted Thomas' worship - John 20:28
18. To see Jesus was to have seen the Father -
    John 14:8-10